Today is World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 to mark the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered the insulin hormone along with Charles Herbert Best in 1922.

According to reports, 1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes and over 90% have type 2 diabetes while close to half are not yet diagnosed but in many cases, type 2 diabetes and its complications can be delayed or prevented by adopting and maintaining healthy habits. World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue, its risk and what to do importantly to support prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment.

World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1991, as a response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by the ailment.

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Diabetes Day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2006 with the passage of a resolution to this effect.

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2023 is “Access to Diabetes Care”. The theme encourages people to be aware of the diabetes mellitus set of metabolic disorders so that they can benefit from the education on disease and treatment, dietary changes, and exercise, with the goal of keeping both short-term and long-term blood glucose levels within acceptable bounds.

This World Diabetes Day, WHO will highlight the need for equitable access to essential care, including raising awareness of ways people with diabetes can minimize their risk of complications. Activities will also celebrate the experiences of people with all forms of diabetes to help those impacted to take action, including seeking and obtaining essential care.